New government campaign to ‘take action’ against domestic, family violence in NT ahead of Christmas period

Stretched thin domestic violence services in the NT are bracing for a spike in families needing help over the holiday period, with no sign of extra government funding until the new year.

Stretched thin domestic violence services in the Northern Territory are bracing for a spike in families needing help over the holiday period, with no sign of extra government funding until the new year.

On Monday, the NT government launched a community awareness campaign aimed at reducing domestic violence in the lead up to Christmas, but remained firm on withholding $180m pledged for frontline services until an audit was completed.

NO MORE founder and anti-domestic violence advocate Charlie King. On Monday, December 16, 2024, the Northern Territory government launched a community awareness campaign to reduce domestic violence. Picture: Fia Walsh.

No More founder Charlie King said this was the toughest time of year for domestic violence crisis services.

“The festive season is meant to bring joy and goodwill, but it’s anything but,” he said.

“Every year it spikes out, crazy stuff goes on, but we’re making such a noise about it this year, hopefully we see a drop or even a plateau – we’d celebrate a plateau.”

Mr King said there was a long way to go to change men’s behaviour, but some progress was being made with Aboriginal men joining the fight against domestic violence.

“We’re seeing more and more men, and particularly young men, want to be part of making a difference … that’s really important, it’s been a long time coming,” he said.

One Percent Program founders Dante Rodrigues and Jahdai Vigona. On Monday, December 16, 2024, the Northern Territory government launched a community awareness campaign to reduce domestic violence. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Tiwi Islands cousins Jahdai Vigona and Danté Rodrigues were contributing to that change, running the One Percent Program to help offer positive male role models for boys.

They had seen breakthroughs with some young people but said more money was needed if they were to expand into more communities.

“It’s very common that our families still deal with domestic violence, and we want to create more spaces in the community for our young people to be connected with strong male role models who can actually portray (positive) behaviour and make these conversations more normalised, because it’s about starting early,” Mr Vigona said.

“Hopefully we can keep expanding, but in our space funding is a big question,” Mr Rodrigues said.

NT Aboriginal Advisory Board on domestic, family and sexual violence chair Lauren Peric. On Monday, December 16, 2024, the Northern Territory government launched a community awareness campaign to reduce domestic violence. Picture: Fia Walsh.

The NT Aboriginal Advisory Board on domestic, family and sexual violence said resourcing frontline services was critical, namely transitional and outreach workers, and emergency shelters.

“The biggest impact we can make right now is shoring up those frontline workers that work day in, day out,” chair Lauren Peric said.

“That’s where resources need to be directed.”

Ms Peric, who also works with a local crisis shelter, said it was frequently forced to turn women away.

“Reports varied every week, but multiple families – sometimes tens of families (are turned away),” she said.

Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Robyn Cahill said she had identified some programs that were “very worthy” of extra funding, but no announcements would be made until January.

While no extra money would be paid before Christmas, she said the government was working closely with service providers to ensure crisis and temporary accommodation was in place over the holiday period.

“Certainly over the next few months, in the areas where we know that we need to have crisis accommodation, we’re looking at how we can get that implemented ASAP,” she said.

New government campaign to ‘take action’ against domestic, family violence in NT

NT Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Robyn Cahill (centre). Picture: Fia Walsh.

December 16: Step up, speak out this holiday season is what has been asked of Territorians in a bid to decrease domestic violence over the Christmas period.

To be announced on Monday, the new community awareness campaign is targeted at reducing domestic, family and sexual violence in the lead up to Christmas, and encouraging more Territorians to speak up and not ignore signs of violence.

The new campaign aligned with the recently elected NT government’s aim to reduce domestic violence, Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Robyn Cahill said.

“The Northern Territory already experiences the highest rate of domestic and family violence in the country and this risk further increases during the Christmas and New Year period,” Ms Cahill said.

“We’re launching this campaign to ensure we’re reaching as many Territorians as we can with the message that domestic and family violence needs to stop and that this starts with everyone coming together to take action.

“If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, report it.

“We’re not asking people to step in if it’s not safe to do so, but we are asking people not to ignore the signs of violence and to speak up to create safer communities.”

With the campaign unveiled at a free community breakfast in Darwin, Ms Cahill was joined by NO MORE founder, Charlie King, and The One Percent Program co-founder Dante Rodrigues to promote the message that violence needs to stop.

Ms Cahill said the campaign, importantly, also informed people where they could get help and support if needed.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, family, and/or sexual violence and is in immediate danger, call triple-0.

For further support, contact one of the helplines or support services listed here.